I give OSU a slight nod, a month from now maybe some newcomers will make a difference for either team.

I love having 4 serious contenders in the WCHA. So many variables, so many unknowns. This will be the most interesting season in a while and Frosh could end up being the deciding factor even if they are on second or third line.

Timothy A

09-18-2018, 05:57 PM

I love having 4 serious contenders in the WCHA. So many variables, so many unknowns. This will be the most interesting season in a while and Frosh could end up being the deciding factor even if they are on second or third line.

There aren't 4 serious contenders this year, just the 2.

D2D

09-18-2018, 06:47 PM

UMD returns Olympic Gold Goaltender - OSU loses Sauve...

Goaltending may very well prove to be the key difference between these two, in terms of where they finish in the standings. Sauve meant so much to OSU defensively, and will be missed. For UMD the returning Rooney is an Olympian, and you can expect her to show why.

Overall it should be a good battle for 3rd in the league, but I give UMD a slight edge.

TonyTheTiger20

09-18-2018, 08:19 PM

I am pretty surprised to see Minnesota above BC but they're right at the same level. To me you can throw a blanket over the top 3 and put Minnesota right with them in 4th.

From there who the eff knows after that ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

ARM

09-19-2018, 12:27 PM

I am pretty surprised to see Minnesota above BC but they're right at the same level. To me you can throw a blanket over the top 3 and put Minnesota right with them in 4th.For both BC and UM, the unknown is goaltending. If either gets strong play in net, that team could be scary good. Clarkson is the most proven, but Sauve has had injury-hampered seasons in the past. Wisconsin is more known, but I don't think Campbell can match Sauve if both are at their best.

Potential and proven are two different things, but Minnesota's forwards could be as good as they've ever had. The D is young, but very talented. We'll find out starting Sunday...

FiveHoleFrenzy

09-19-2018, 12:52 PM

Some simple questions regarding Minnesota vs bc...

Does Minnesota have Megan Keller?
Does Minnesota have the skating jesus?

Here is one USCHO poster's idea of what the preseason poll should look like

1. Clarkson - The fighting nurses will tuck you in and turn out the lights on you so fast your head will spin.
2. bc - High octane eagles over/under for double digit goals scored sits at 7. They will light the lamp...A lot.
3. WisconSIN - BADgers fourth line could be your team's first line.
4. Colgate - Their aim is to ride the crest of last seasons success to a national title.
5. Minnesota - Got lots of forwards...Wonder if any of them can play defense?
6. Ohio State - The difference between 6 and 7 probably come down to Rooney but for now OSU the edge
7. UMD - Rooney is good enough to overcome some of the other question marks this team has.
8. Northeastern - Evidently, their recruit Alina Muller is the 4th best player under the age of 25 in women's hockey...According to the Ice Garden.
9. Cornell - I feel like the ECAC is probably going to be the best league again so these last couple of spots will probably move up.
10. St. Lawrence - See number 9.